Prince Philip Won't Have Eulogy Or Readings By Royal Family Members At His Funeral
Apr. 17 2021, Published 9:42 a.m. ET
Just like what he would have wanted! Prince Philip's funeral will not include a eulogy and no members of the royal family will give readings at the event.
"The Order of Service for the funeral was agreed with The Duke of Edinburgh during his lifetime, and reflects The Duke's close military affiliations, and personal elements of His Royal Highness' life," the statement read.
During the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002, there was no eulogy, either.
However, during Princess Diana's funeral, her brother, Charles Spencer, delivered a memorable eulogy, saying: "It is a point to remember that of all the ironies about Diana, perhaps the greatest was this — a girl given the name of the ancient goddess of hunting was, in the end, the most hunted person of the modern age."
Philip's funeral will only have 30 people in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. "Ironically, it is probably how he would have liked," former palace spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson shared. "No fuss, no bother. Right through his life, he never knew what all the fuss was about."
Queen Elizabeth's four children — Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward — will be there, along with their spouses.
Philip and the Queen's eight grandchildren — Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn — will also be there.
“The congregation will wear masks for the service,” the palace said. “Members of the royal family will be wearing Morning Coat with medals or Day Dress.”
One day before the funeral, the Queen paid tribute by posting a throwback photo of the couple together.
"The Queen wishes to share this private photograph taken with The Duke of Edinburgh at the top of the Coyles of Muick, Scotland in 2003," The Royal Family's Instagram account captioned the picture of the couple sitting on the grass.
"📷Photograph by The Countess of Wessex. Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of The Duke, in celebration of his life," the message continued.
